In the words of our old friend Vincent Van Gogh, “so often, a visit to a bookshop has cheered me, and reminded me that there are good things in the world.” The next time the Auckland drizzle gets too much for you, forget your troubles with a trip to the Book Exchange. A second hand book store now turned coffee shop, you can exchange a book and get 50% off a book in the same genre and grab yourself a fresh brew at the same time. A secondhand bookstore has been at this location since 1982, but in 2015 a barista moved in and the Exchange was born. In November 2016 a new owner took over, and the cafe is now offering a range of organic sweet treats along with Mt Aktinson Coffee, ‘Westie’ Auckland born and bred.

The cafe’s owner travels to Huapei to source a changing selection of delicious biscuits from Gourmet Garet, from melting moments to afghans, and the Crafty Baker provide organic sweat treats such as the ever popular ‘caramel peanut butter chocolate brownie slice’, as well as gluten free options. This cosy little space is filled with friendly characters, so curl up with a book and a cuppa and the clouds will soon pass you by.